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Cyber Series: The Cyber Threat – What Are the Experts Saying?

In our last Rampart Group communication, we began by advising our readers that we are launching a regular blog series to provide you critical cyber protection tips and information. 

Below is post #2.  In this blog series, Rampart Group will continue to outline for you and your business the breadth and depth of cyber threats on a national and global scale.    

The Cyber Threat – What Are the Experts Saying?

The cyber threat is growing and evolving. Cyber crimes cost approximately $400 billion per year worldwide, according to the Norton Cyber Crime Report. In 2011, attacks against companies were up by 45% and cost 70% more to fix. Each cyber attack took an average of 18 days and $416,000 to fix. These statistics are trending upward in 2012.

In mid-September 2012, FBI Director Robert Mueller addressed the Society of Retired FBI Special Agents at its annual National Convention in San Diego, CA. In this address, and in other recent speaking engagements, Director Mueller spoke about the changing dynamic of the criminal threat; the fact that espionage is becoming more and more cyber-based, and that even though counterterrorism is the FBI’s #1 investigative priority, it is anticipated cyber security may well become the FBI’s highest priority replacing counterterrorism.

What are the most significant cyber threats facing our nation?

Cyber actors target our critical infrastructure, i.e. as defined by the US Government  – Banking and Finance; Transportation; Power; Information and Communications; Federal and Municipal Services; Emergency Services; Fire Departments; Law Enforcement Agencies; Public Works; Agriculture and Food; and National Monuments and Icons. They also target our personal computers, steal our identity, track our whereabouts, and manipulate our data for marketing as well as nefarious purposes.

Who are the most serious cyber actors attacking our cyber systems?

Up until 2005, cyber attacks were mostly acts of vandalism by kids or people with a childish appetite for destruction. They would create and place very clever viruses intended to do damage, but not much else. Today’s cyber actor is stealthy and less visible. Intruders, hackers, spies, and terrorists are, for the most part, Foreign Intelligence Services – the most capable at attacking our critical infrastructure. Cyber actors are also Terrorists Groups seeking to do the most harm, Organized Crime Enterprises that are profit motivated, and others.

Most significantly they attack:<

1. 1. Our military command and control networks
   2. Defense contractors who provide vital contract services to our national government
   3. Corporations in order to gain insider information and to develop a competitive advantage
   4. Universities focused on research and development
   5. The identities of US citizens
   6. Children for sexual exploitation

So what are the challenges we face as a nation with the cyber threat?

1. 1. There is no one good method to mitigate the threat. The challenges are broad and wide.
   2. Technology continues to change at an alarming rate. Our ability to keep pace with changing technology is difficult at best.
   3. The U.S. Government is still having difficulty getting legal clarity and distrust still exists between the private sector and the U.S. Government. Private sector businesses prefer not to report cyber intrusions that may impact profitability and shareholder confidence.

What is the U.S. Government doing about the cyber threat?

1. 1. The cyber threat is now one of the top priorities of the U.S. Government
   2. Adding staffing and budget resources government wide
   3. Partnering U.S. Government with the Private Sector and Academia
   4. The FBI is training every employee about the cyber threat and how to address it
   5. Inter-agency coordination and law enforcement training, both nationally and internationally

Rampart Group – a cyber safeguard   

The Rampart Group views cyber threats as a tipping point for the safety, security, and profitability of businesses and organizations.  Our goal, with any sized organization, is to help you proactively identify your information security vulnerabilities, so you can safeguard your People, Products, Property, Information, and Reputation.

Kathy Leodler Chief Executive Officer Email:kathy.l@rampartgroup.com Phone: (360) 981-2703 PI License #3555

Paul Leodler Executive Vice President Email:paul.l@rampartgroup.com Phone: (360) 981-3397 PI License #4180

We at Rampart Group are committed to your security. Call 1-800 421-0614 or contact us today with your security or investigative needs.